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Lizard and Snake Specimen Collection and Evaluation (view source)
Revision as of 13:54, 17 May 2010
, 13:54, 17 May 2010→Colonic wash
[[Image:Culture_copy.jpg|250px|thumb|right|(Copyright © RVC)]]
[[Image:Culture_copy.jpg|250px|thumb|right|(Copyright © RVC)]]
==Colonic wash==
==Colonic wash==
A lubricated catheter with an attached syringe is gently inserted through the vent. The catheter should pass easily into the colon and if resistance is met it is pushing against the dorsal wall of the cloaca. Up to approximately 10ml/kg of sterile saline is injected into the colon. The fluid is massaged prior to aspiration. Learn about digestion in [[Lizard Gastrointestinal System|lizards]] and [[Snake Digestive System|snakes]]
A lubricated catheter with an attached syringe is gently inserted through the vent. The catheter should pass easily into the colon and if resistance is met it is pushing against the dorsal wall of the cloaca. Up to approximately 10ml/kg of sterile saline is injected into the colon. The fluid is massaged prior to aspiration. Learn about digestion in [[Lizard Gastrointestinal System|lizards]] and [[Snake Digestive System|snakes]].
==Faecal evaluation==
==Faecal evaluation==
Evaluation of the faeces for protozoa, amoeba and nematodes is considered part of a minimum database for lizards. Most reptiles defecate infrequently, especially if they have been ill and anorexic. Faeces can be obtained by i) collection of normally voided faeces, ii) bathing to stimulate defecation and iii) colonic wash - the rectum is quite distensible. A lubricated large gauge tube is inserted into the colon through the vent and approximately 10 ml/kg of sterile water is injected into the colon. The fluid is massaged prior to aspiration.
Evaluation of the faeces for protozoa, amoeba and nematodes is considered part of a minimum database for lizards. Most reptiles defecate infrequently, especially if they have been ill and anorexic. Faeces can be obtained by i) collection of normally voided faeces, ii) bathing to stimulate defecation and iii) colonic wash - the rectum is quite distensible. A lubricated large gauge tube is inserted into the colon through the vent and approximately 10 ml/kg of sterile water is injected into the colon. The fluid is massaged prior to aspiration.